Flushing to Restronguet

It is easy to drive straight through the main road to Falmouth and to think that you have seen Penryn as it consists only of a line of ship’s chandlers on the seaward side and supermarkets and garages on the landward side. However, should you do this you are missing a delightful small Cornish town set up on the hill above the Estuary and with some superb views of the Carrick Roads.

It is here that the Penryn river leaves the Fal estuary and on the opposite bank you will find the lovely village of Flushing which was very popular as a place where the old Packet Captains used to have their homes.

Once you arrive in Flushing, whether by car or ferry, look back across the river and you will see one of the finest views of Falmouth. Linger on the quayside and enjoy the sight and sounds of gulls and boats then think about some well deserved refreshment. In the centre of the village you will find The Seven Stars, a popular freehouse which offers fine traditional cooking using local ingredients as far as possible. To this add fine wines, beer or real ale and a warm welcome and you will quickly appreciate why The Seven Stars is so popular with locals and visitors alike.

The Fal estuary is indeed a Mecca for small boat sailors with its massive area of sheltered inland water and miles of rivers and creeks running through. If you are at all interested in sailing then you should certainly visit Mylor Bridge on the western side of the Estuary.

One of the best known inns in Cornwall, the Pandora Inn is set in the beautiful surroundings of Restronguet Creek. Parts of the thatched building date back to the 13th century and its flagstone floors and low-beamed ceilings suggest that little can have changed since. The atmosphere is splendidly traditional with lots of snug corners; three log fires and a collection of maritime memorabilia.

A full range of drinks are offered, meals are served in the bars or the sail loft restaurant and when the sun shines the bench tables outside on the new pontoon provides an experience akin to walking and eating on water. Food is taken seriously here and lunch and dinner menus are supplemented by daily specials, options range from sandwiches at lunchtime to fine dining in the restaurant. Local seafood is a speciality of the house.

The National Trust has been very active in the whole of this area of Cornwall and north of Restronguet Creek, on the King Harry Ferry road, you will find Trelissick Garden. This is where the river Fal opens into the northern end of the Carrick Roads.

Seen from the river the main house of Trelissick is a most imposing building although it is not in fact open to the public. The renowned garden, parkland and riverside woodland walks, along with a self-service restaurant, shop, plant sales and art and craft gallery, are, however, open to the public throughout the year. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or tel: 01872 862090 for times and prices.

Then on to Trebah gardens - dramatically beautiful 28 acre sub-tropical garden. The steeply wooded ravine descends to a private, secluded beach on the historic Helford River. A stream cascades over waterfalls, through ponds full of giant Koi carp and exotic water plants, through two acres of blue and white hydrangeas, spilling out over the beach. Glades of huge 100 year old tree ferns mingle with a forest of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias under a canopy of ancient oaks and beeches. This is truly a garden for all seasons with colour and scent throughout the year.

Trebah is wild, extravagant, and enchanted, full of unexpected corners and beautiful surprises. It certainly is no formal, prissy garden - no clipped hedges, manicured lawns or "Keep Off The Grass" signs.